Holders of Lower Second-class Honours degree or with at least two years relevant experience;
Holders of Pass degree or equivalent qualifications as listed in 3 above with either a relevant post-graduate diploma or five years experience

The contribution of livestock sector to the national economy and rural livelihood is significant. However the development of this important sector has not kept pace with human population. The envisaged increase in population and improvement in living standards will increase demand for animal products. To meet the increased demand, it is important that natural resources in livestock production be utilized efficiently and sustainably in the different ecological zones. There have been marked advances in science and technology that need to be communicated to the end users. In addition globalization of the livestock industry demands that professionals be primed to operate under this atmosphere.

Therefore, the objectives of this programme are to:

Equip production system analysts with knowledge and skills in livestock systems analysis to help integrate components of production systems for sustainable use of resources and improved livestock productivity

Train personnel to undertake academic responsibility in research, consultancy and teaching in livestock production systems

Equip the analysts with ability to document, evaluate and monitor production systems.

A candidate may be allowed to transfer up to a maximum of one third of the taught units.

Applicants seeking transfer of credit shall send a formal application to the Director, Board of Postgraduate Studies, through the Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine/Agriculture as the case may be, giving justification for the request, and attaching supporting credentials.

Application for transfer of credit will be processed only after payment of the prescribed fees.

Applicants will only be allowed to transfer units that are equivalent to those offered by the University of Nairobi .

Biochemistry Description .Integration of carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism. Hormones and their regulatory functions. Protein synthesis its regulation and the recombinant DNA (bioengineering) Nutrition and the role of micronutrients in cellular metabolism.

Animal Bioclimatology, Behaviour And Welfare Description .The concepts of livestock bioclimatology and environmental engineering. The components of the physical environment and their effects upon livestock. Relationships between macro-climate, site-climate and micro

Application Of Statistics In Animal Production Description .Purpose of statistical methods in animal production; Reparameterisation of model and imposition of restriction of the effects on the model. Contrasts: orthogonal and non-orthogonal, Hertley

Principles Of Livestock Production Systems Description .Definition and main characteristics of a system as a methodology for the description of systems. The structure, function and ecology of animal production systems. Introduction to systems analysis, synthesis and its use in management. The methodology of systems analysis and synthesis: general systems theory, identification of components, systems representation, systems behavior, use of systems studies for the design and management of livestock systems. A general description and classification of agricultural and livestock systems.

Livestock Population Dynamics And Modeling Description .The structural, functional and productivity characteristics of individuals. Populations and ecosystems. Analysis of fecundity and fecundity tables. The construction of population life tables and their use in improving productivity. The methodology and use of animal census. Modeling: Descriptions of animal systems; use of descriptive statistics, use of statistical models, problems of prediction and Validation. More advanced models: types of models: Prediction of population dynamics, prediction of growth and components of growth, prediction of pregnancy and development of products of conception, prediction of longevity and lifetime performance. Use of models for genetic selection in populations. Development of computer models in animal production.

Sheep And Goat Production Description .Sheep and goat production in East Africa. Biological and ecological parameters. Breed stratification of sheep and goat production systems in East Africa. Structures. Breeding and feeding systems. Health management. Management of breeding stock, lambs, weaners and yearlings. Sheep and goat products. Product quality. Performance assessment. Records and economics of production.